na

ultimatum, Caitlynn's co

ed on her hands and knees across the expensive rug, stopping at my

ase, I beg you, don't make him do it!" she

man, my expression unmoved. It wa

ice. "You should have considered the consequences when you chose to slander the Princess." He added, his

nd the bitter, sickening taste of betrayal. He looked like a ma

ost. But her maternal instinct to protect her

eading. "She was foolish! She made a mistake! For

air like a foul scent. "When you stood in my bedroom, calli

struck

l, animal panic. She scrambled to her feet and made a des

n was there, moving with the silent, deadly grace of a

aitlynn shrieked, struggl

sharp, efficient movement, kicked the back of Caitlynn's knees. Caitlynn coll

n simply turned his head and leveled his cold,

man on the floor. There was no pity in my

o Astrid.

held the unyielding weight of a royal command. "Doctor. Please pr

e walked over to where Astrid h

errified, incoherent screams. "N

seless against Astri

zed her eyes shut

ide, fixed on the scene, as if he needed to burn this mo

it up, my hand perfectly steady, and took a small, delicate sip. I was merely an